Umbrella device

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to an umbrella device that has a canopy, a canopy mechanism adapted to expand and collapse said canopy, a base, an arm assembly disposed between said base and said canopy mechanism, said arm assembly having a proximal end pivotally connected to said base and a distal end pivotally connected to said canopy mechanism, said arm assembly being operable, by pivoting said proximal end relative to said base, between a retracted configuration and a protracted configuration, said arm assembly protracting when said proximal end pivots in a first pivotal direction and retracting when said proximal end pivots in a second opposite pivotal direction. The canopy mechanism may be disposed in a first direction relative to said base in said retracted configuration and in a second direction relative to said base, substantially transverse to said first direction, in said protracted configuration.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to collapsible umbrellas.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Umbrellas are used to provide the user with protection against rain,sunlight or snow and are generally carried by hand. Conventionalcollapsible umbrellas generally either have a fixed shaft or atelescopically extendable shaft. In order to expand the canopy, it isnecessary to point the shaft away from the user to avoid the expandingcanopy from contacting the user.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,193,415 discloses an umbrella device having acollapsible shaft comprising a plurality of pivotally connected membersarranged in scissor fashion. In order to prevent the expanding canopyfrom contacting the user during deployment, it is necessary to point thedevice away from the user until the canopy is fully expanded and thenhold the umbrella upright for use. This may not be convenient for theuser in circumstances where pointing the umbrella away from the user isdifficult or where it is desirable to hold the device in a fixedposition during deployment and use of the umbrella.

It is also often inconvenient to carry an umbrella particularly if theuser requires the use of both hands for other purposes. Further,carrying a wet umbrella after use is somewhat unpleasant.

Devices for supporting an umbrella without the use of hands are known.Such devices involve the use of a holder, an attachment or the like tomount an umbrella in the in-use position and detach it after use. Thedrawback of these devices is that although the user wears the holderattached to the torso, it is still necessary to take a separate umbrellaby hand and mount and detach it, before and after every use. The useralso has to carry the umbrella by hand when not in use.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,188,965 discloses a body mounted umbrella having asupport shaft extending from a very wide waist belt worn by the user.The belt is made of a rigid metal which is uncomfortable to wear andmakes sitting difficult. Although this device enables the user to foldand unfold a mounted umbrella without requiring the umbrella to beremoved from the device, the umbrella shaft must be arranged behind theuser to avoid interfering with the face of the user and is therefore noteasily accessible.

It is therefore desirable to provide an umbrella device that can be heldin the same orientation during deployment and use of the umbrella. It isfurther desirable to provide an umbrella device that can be attached tothe torso of the user both when extended in use and when retracted andstored, without the need to carry a separate umbrella by hand. It isfurther desirable to provide a compact umbrella device that can bedeployed and retracted without interfering with the face of the user. Itis further desirable to provide an umbrella device that is readilyaccessible and can be worn at the front of the torso without obstructingthe view of the user.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It is the object of the present invention to substantially overcome orat least ameliorate one or more of the disadvantages of the prior artand/or achieve one or more of the above desired outcomes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the present invention provides an umbrella devicecomprising:

a canopy;

a canopy mechanism adapted to expand and collapse said canopy;

a base; and

an arm assembly disposed between said base and said canopy mechanism,said arm assembly having a proximal end pivotally connected to said baseand a distal end pivotally connected to said canopy mechanism, said armassembly being operable, by pivoting said proximal end relative to saidbase, between a retracted configuration and a protracted configuration,said arm assembly protracting when said proximal end pivots in a firstpivotal direction and retracting when said proximal end pivots in asecond opposite pivotal direction.

The canopy mechanism may be disposed in a first direction relative tosaid base in said retracted configuration and in a second directionrelative to said base, substantially transverse to said first direction,in said protracted configuration.

The distal end of the arm assembly may follow an approximately arcuatepath between said retracted and protracted configurations.

The distal end of the arm assembly may be operatively connected to thecanopy mechanism such that the operation of the umbrella devicesimultaneously expands the canopy in the extended open configuration andcollapses the canopy in the retracted closed configuration. Thisarrangement provides the umbrella device an automation feature, allowingboth hands of the user free for other purposes.

The canopy mechanism may comprise a shaft, a slide adapted for axialmovement on the shaft and a plurality of foldable ribs operativelyassociated with the canopy and the slide, wherein the canopy mechanismis adapted to expand and collapse the canopy by axial movement of theslide.

The arm assembly may comprise a plurality of operatively associatedelongate members, each of the members being arranged substantiallyadjacent to the base in the retracted closed configuration and extendingsubstantially vertically of the base in the extended open configuration.

The plurality of members may comprise at least one pair of membersarranged in scissor fashion wherein the paired members are pivotallyconnected at an intermediate portion of each member and wherein thepaired members pivot in opposite directions to one another during theoperation of the umbrella device.

The plurality of members may comprise:

a first member pivotally connected at a proximal end to the base;

a second member pivotally connected at a proximal end to the base;

a third member pivotally connected at a proximal end to a distal end ofthe second member and having an intermediate portion pivotally connectedto an intermediate portion of the first member;

a fourth member pivotally connected at a proximal end to a distal end ofthe second member and pivotally connected at a distal end to the slide;

a fifth member pivotally connected at a proximal end to the distal endof the first member and pivotally connected at a distal end to anintermediate portion of the fourth member; and

a sixth member pivotally connected at a proximal end to the distal endof the first member and pivotally connected at a distal end to the shaftproximal end.

Alternatively, the plurality of members may comprise:

a first member pivotally connected at a proximal end to the base;

a second member pivotally connected at a proximal end to the base;

a third member pivotally connected at a proximal end to a distal end ofthe second member and having an intermediate portion pivotally connectedto an intermediate portion of the first member;

a fourth member pivotally connected at a proximal end to the distal endof the third member;

a fifth member pivotally connected at a proximal end to the distal endof the first member and having an intermediate portion pivotallyconnected to an intermediate portion of the fourth member;

a sixth member pivotally connected at a proximal end to the distal endof the fifth member and pivotally connected at a distal end to theslide;

a seventh member pivotally connected at a proximal end to the distal endof the fourth member and pivotally connected at a distal end to anintermediate portion of the sixth member;

an eighth member pivotally connected at a proximal end to the distal endof the fourth member and pivotally connected at a distal end to theshaft proximal end.

Alternatively, the plurality of members may comprise several pairs ofmembers arranged in scissor fashion.

The canopy mechanism may comprise:

a shaft having a proximal end connected to an intermediate point of thearm assembly between the arm assembly proximal and distal ends and adistal end connected to the canopy; and

a slide adapted for axial movement on the shaft, the slide beingoperatively associated with the canopy to expand the canopy when driventowards the shaft distal end and collapse the canopy when driven towardsthe shaft proximal end;

wherein the slide is connected to the arm assembly distal end such thatoperation to the extended open configuration displaces the arm assemblydistal end from the intermediate point, driving the slide toward theshaft distal end and operation to the retracted closed configurationretracts the arm assembly distal end towards the intermediate point,driving the slide toward the shaft proximal end.

The slide may be operatively associated with the canopy by means of aplurality of radial ribs, each rib comprising a plurality of operativelyassociated longitudinal links, wherein the links of each rib are adaptedto align longitudinally in the open configuration to expand the canopyand to fold adjacently in the closed configuration to collapse thecanopy and wherein the links are adapted to fold the canopy such that inthe closed configuration, an outermost link of each rib folds theperipheral edge of the canopy adjacent the shaft distal end. Theoutermost link may also be the longest link of each rib.

The arm assembly may be adapted to form a bifurcated Y-shape in theextended open configuration. Each branch of the bifurcated arm assemblymay be operatively connected to the canopy mechanism such that theoperation of the umbrella device simultaneously expands the canopy inthe extended open configuration and collapses the canopy in theretracted closed configuration.

In this form, the canopy mechanism may comprise a pair of shafts, eachshaft having a slide adapted for axial movement on the shaft and aplurality of foldable ribs operatively associated with the canopy andthe slides, wherein the canopy mechanism is adapted to expand andcollapse the canopy by axial movement of the slides.

In this form, the arm assembly may comprise:

a first member pivotally connected at a proximal end to the base;

a pair of second members pivotally connected at a proximal end to thebase and adapted to pivot in parallel to one another;

a pair of third members pivotally connected at a proximal end to adistal end of the pair of second members and having an intermediateportion pivotally connected to an intermediate portion of the firstmember;

a pair of fourth members, each pivotally connected at a proximal end toa distal end of one of the third members;

a pair of fifth members pivotally connected at a proximal end to adistal end of the first member, each of the fifth members having anintermediate portion pivotally connected to an intermediate portion ofone of the fourth members;

a pair of sixth members, each pivotally connected at a proximal end tothe distal end of one of the fifth members and pivotally connected at adistal end to one of the slides;

a pair of seventh members, each pivotally connected at a proximal end toa distal end of one of the fourth members and pivotally connected at adistal end to an intermediate portion of one of the sixth members;

a pair of eighth members, each pivotally connected at a proximal end tothe distal end of one of the fourth members and pivotally connected at adistal end to the proximal end of one of the shafts.

The umbrella device may further comprise a locking mechanism for lockingsaid arm assembly in at least one of said retracted and protractedconfigurations.

The locking mechanism may comprise a spring biased catch provided onsaid base, said catch being adapted to be engaged and depressed by alocking pin provided on said arm assembly, during said operation of saidarm assembly in said first pivotal direction and to retain said lockingpin adjacent said base in said protracted configuration.

The base may be adapted to be secured to the body of a user. The basemay be secured to the user by means of a waist strap. Alternatively, thebase may be secured to the user's belt by means of a spring biased clip.The base may also be secured to the user by means of one or more straps.

The umbrella device may further comprise a casing adapted to enclose thearm assembly, canopy mechanism and canopy, when the umbrella device isin the retracted closed configuration. The casing may comprise at leastone flap secured to the base and adapted to wrap around and enclose thearm assembly, canopy mechanism and canopy. The casing may comprise atleast two flaps secured to opposite sides of the base, the flaps adaptedto be fastened together to enclose the arm assembly, canopy mechanismand canopy. The flaps may be fastened by means of hook and loop typefasteners or other fastening means.

The base may further comprise an elongate slidable extension having alower end adapted to be secured to the user wherein the base is adaptedto slide vertically along the extension raising or lowering the basewith respect to the secured lower end of the extension.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A preferred form of the present invention will now be described by wayof example with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 depicts a first embodiment of the umbrella device secured to auser in an extended open configuration;

FIG. 2 depicts the first embodiment secured to a user in a retractedclosed configuration;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the first embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a rear view of the first embodiment;

FIG. 5 depicts the first embodiment secured to a user;

FIG. 6 is a structural view of the first embodiment in the retractedclosed configuration;

FIG. 7 is a partial structural view of the first embodiment depictingpart of the canopy device in detail;

FIG. 8 is a structural view of the first embodiment duringextension/retraction and fully extended as shown in phantom;

FIG. 9 depicts a member of the arm device of the first embodiment;

FIG. 10 depicts a slide of the first embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a partial view of the first embodiment duringextension/retraction;

FIG. 12 is a cross sectional view of a spring catch of the firstembodiment;

FIGS. 13A-D progressively depict the extension/retraction of a secondembodiment of the umbrella device;

FIGS. 14A-D depict a third embodiment of umbrella device, with FIGS.14B-D depicting enlarged portions of FIG. 14A;

FIG. 15 is a partial structural view of the third embodiment duringextension/retraction; and

FIGS. 16A-B depict a partial structural view of the central folding cribof the third embodiment, with FIG. 16B depicting the folded crib.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is shown a first embodiment of anumbrella device 10. The device is shown secured to a user but may alsobe adapted to be used as a hand held umbrella.

FIG. 1 depicts the umbrella device 10 having a canopy 12 supported by anarm assembly 14 extending from a base 16. The arm assembly 14 is shownin a protracted configuration, supporting the canopy 12 above the user.The base 16 is secured to the user by means of a waist attachment 18 anda shoulder strap 20. The base 16 is provided with a slidable extension22 which enables the base to be elevated with respect to the waistattachment 18.

FIG. 2 depicts the umbrella device 10 with the arm assembly 14 in aretracted configuration and the canopy 12 collapsed against the base 16and enclosed within a casing 24.

Referring to FIGS. 3 to 5, the casing 24 of the umbrella device 10 isprovided with a loop 26 for facilitating carrying of the umbrella device10 by hand. The casing 24 also has three flaps extending from the base16, which are fastened together by means of hook and loop type fasteners28. Ties, press studs, buttons or other types of fasteners canalternatively be used. FIG. 4 demonstrates the operation of the slidableextension 22. The extension 22 is slidable from a retracted position inwhich the extension 22 does not protrude from the base 16 and anextended position in which the extension 22 raises the base 16 from thewaist attachment 18. The waist attachment 18, provided at the lower endof the extension 22, comprises a clip 19 suitable for clipping to auser's belt and a ring to which a waist strap can be attached if theuser is not wearing a belt. In embodiments where the extension 22 is notrequired, the waist attachment 18 may be provided on the base 16. Othermeans of securing the base 16 to the user are possible including otherstrap arrangements, elastic straps, a harness or as part of a garment.

When the umbrella device 10 is not in use, the extension 22 is retractedand the device 10 can be either worn attached to the body or carried byhand. When the umbrella device 10 is required to be used, it is attachedto the body of the user, for example at the waist of the user by meansof the waist attachment 18. Depending on the height of the user andlength of the arm assembly 14, the base 16 may be required to be securedto the body of the user above the waist to ensure that the canopy 12 isexpanded above the user's head. In this case, the extension 22 may beemployed, raising the base 16 up the torso of the user. In this way, theumbrella device 10 is adjustable to fit different body sizes of theuser. Once arranged at an appropriate height, the base may be furthersecured by means of the shoulder strap 20. The umbrella device 10 isthen ready for deployment of the arm assembly 14 and canopy 12.

FIGS. 6 to 12 show the main structural components of the umbrella device10, including an arm assembly 14 and a canopy mechanism 30. The canopymechanism 30 is operatively associated with the arm assembly 14, suchthat the canopy mechanism 30 simultaneously opens and closes the canopy12 as the arm assembly 14 is protracted and retracted, respectively. Thecanopy mechanism 30 comprises a shaft 32, having a proximal end 34 and adistal end 36, an axially mounted slide 38 and a plurality of foldableribs 40. The ribs 40, which are operatively associated with the distalend 36 of the shaft 32 and with the slide 38, extend radially outwardlyof the shaft 32 to the periphery of the canopy 12. Each rib 40 comprisesa plurality (first to sixth) of pivotally associated links 42-52. Thefirst link 42 is pivotally connected at an inner end to the slide 38.The second link 44 is pivotally connected at an inner end to the shaftdistal end 36 and pivotally connected at an outer end to an intermediateportion of the first link 42. The fourth link 48 is pivotally connectedat an inner end to an outer portion of the second link 44 and pivotallyconnected at an outer end to an inner end of the fourth link 48. Theouter end of the first link 42 is pivotally connected to an innerportion of the fourth link 48 and an outer portion of the first link 42is pivotally connected to an inner end of the fifth link 50. The outerend of the fifth link 50 is pivotally connected to the inner end of thesixth link 52 and the outer end of the fourth link 48 is pivotallyconnected to an inner portion of the sixth link 52.

Axial movement of the slide 38 towards the shaft distal end 36 causesthe first link 42 to pivot outwardly from the slide 38 and about theouter end of the second link 44. This movement causes the second link 44to pivot outwardly at the shaft distal end 36. The third link 46 isconsequently drawn inwardly with respect to the first link 42 by thesecond link 44, drawing the inner end of the fourth link 48 inwardlywith respect to the first link 42 and causing the fourth link 48 topivot about the outer end of the first link 42. Similarly, the fifthlink 50 is drawn inwardly with respect to the fourth link 48 by thefirst link 42, drawing the inner end of the sixth link 52 inwardly withrespect to the fourth link 48 and causing the sixth link 52 to pivotabout the outer end of the fourth link 48. In this way, as the ribs 40unfold, they extend radially outwardly as the slide 38 is driven towardthe shaft distal end 36. Axial movement of the slide 38 towards theshaft proximal end 34 reverses the above process and folds the ribs 40inwardly towards the shaft 32.

In the retracted configuration, the sixth and longest link 52 folds theperipheral edge of the canopy 12 adjacent the shaft distal end 36. Thispresents the inner surface of the canopy 12 outwardly and contains theouter and possibly wet surface within the folds, preventing the outersurface from contacting and wetting the user.

Alternatively, the canopy mechanism 30 may function independently of thearm assembly 14, requiring independent manual operation.

The arm assembly 14 comprises a plurality (first to sixth) of pivotallyconnected elongate members 54-64, each having proximal and distal ends.The arm assembly 14 is connected at its proximal end to the base 16 andat its distal end to the canopy mechanism 30. The arm assembly 14 isadapted to retract and protract between a retracted configuration inwhich the arm assembly 14 is arranged substantially flat against thebase 16, disposing the canopy mechanism 30 laterally of the base 16, anda protracted configuration in which the arm assembly 14 extendssubstantially vertically of the base 16, disposing the canopy mechanism30 vertically of the base 16.

The proximal end of the first member 54 is pivotally connected to thebase 16. The proximal end of the second member 56 is pivotally connectedto the base 16 below the first member 54. The distal end of the secondmember 56 is pivotally connected to the proximal end of the third member58. An intermediate portion of the third member 58 is pivotallyconnected to an intermediate portion of the first member 54 and thedistal end of the third member 58 is pivotally connected to the proximalend of the fourth member 60. The proximal end of the fifth member 62 ispivotally connected to the distal end of the first member 54 and thedistal end of the fifth member 62 is pivotally connected to anintermediate portion of the fourth member 60. The proximal end of thesixth member 64 is pivotally connected to the distal end of the firstmember 54 and the distal end of the sixth member 64 is pivotallyconnected to the shaft proximal end 34. The distal end of the fourthmember 60 is pivotally connected to the slide 38 of the canopy mechanism30.

In the retracted configuration, the distal ends of the first member 54,second member 56 and fourth member 60 are substantially adjacent, whichretains the slide 38 substantially adjacent the shaft proximal end 34.During operation from the retracted closed configuration to the extendedopen configuration, the second member 56 pivots at the base 16 and thedistal end of the second member 56 travels upwards in an arc extendinglaterally from the base 16. This draws the proximal end of the thirdmember 58 towards the proximal end of the first member 54, which inturn, causes the first member 54 and third member 58 to pivot againstone another in scissor fashion at their connected intermediate portionsand draws the distal ends of the first member 54 and third member 58towards one another. This in turn, draws the proximal ends of the fourthmember 60 and the fifth member 62 towards one another, which causes thefourth member 60 to pivot about the distal end of the fifth member 62.This drives the distal end of the fourth member 60 away from the distalend of the first member 54. The sixth member 64 spaces the shaftproximal end 34 from the distal end of the first member 54 andaccommodates the pivotal movement of the fifth member 62 at the distalend of the first member 54.

The separation of the distal ends of the first member 54 and the fourthmember 60 drives the slide 38 towards the distal end of the shaft 32,which in turn, drives the canopy mechanism 30 to open the canopy 12, aspreviously described. This results in the arm assembly 14 taking theprotracted configuration as shown in FIG. 1. In the protractedconfiguration, each of the members extends substantially vertically fromthe base 16. The second member 56 is substantially parallel and adjacentto the base 16, the first member 54 is substantially parallel andadjacent to the third member 58 and the fourth member 60 issubstantially parallel and adjacent to the shaft 32. Reversing the aboveprocess will collapse the canopy 12 and retract the arm assembly 14 tothe retracted configuration, as shown in FIG. 2.

Isolated drawings of the sixth member 64 and the slide 38 are providedin FIGS. 9 and 10, respectively. FIG. 6 demonstrates one purpose of thesixth member 64 in spacing the shaft proximal end 34 from the armassembly 14 and allowing the canopy mechanism 30 to be arrangedlaterally adjacent the arm assembly 14 and base 16, providing a compactretracted configuration. The slide 38 is provided with a laterallyprojecting lobe 66 for connection to the distal end of the fourth member60. Both the lobe 66 and the sixth member 64 act to laterally space thecanopy mechanism 30 from the arm assembly 14, allowing each to operatewithout significant interference or impedance between any members of thearm assembly 14 and any components of the canopy mechanism 30.

Accordingly, the umbrella device 10 can be conveniently worn by the userin a compact casing 24 when not in use and can be supported hands freeon the body of the user when in use. Further, the path taken by thedistal end of the arm assembly 14 during operation of the umbrelladevice allows the canopy 12 to be expanded away from the face of theuser while the base 16 remains in an upright orientation. Thisadvantageously allows the device to be held or secured upright in frontof the user where it is convenient to operate.

FIG. 11 shows the arm assembly 14 partially extended, demonstrating theoperation of the arm assembly 14 during protraction/retraction. A springbiased catch 80 for locking the arm assembly 14 in the protractedconfiguration is shown provided at the top of the base 16. The catch 80acts as part of a reversible locking mechanism to maintain the umbrellain an upright position when it is in the open configuration. The catch80 contains a lug 82 that is biased to an extended position withinbarrel 84 by spring 86. In this example, a locking pin 88 is provided toact as the abutment means of the locking mechanism and extends from thesecond member 56 of the arm assembly 14. During operation of the armassembly 14 towards the protracted configuration, the pin 88 movesupwardly in an arc as the arm assembly 14 is protracted. The trajectoryof the movement of the pin 88 is shown along the dotted line in FIGS. 11and 12 for ease of illustration. As the arm assembly 14 is operated tothe protracted configuration, the pin 88 forces the lug 82 into thebarrel 84. Once the pin 88 moves beyond the lug 82, the spring 86 causesthe lug 82 to move back to its extended position, thereby locking thepin 88 into a locked position, as indicated by reference numeral 90. Thearm assembly 14 can be unlocked and retracted by pushing the lug 82downwards to release pin 88.

A second embodiment is depicted in FIGS. 13A-D. Like reference numeralsto those used in relation to describing the first embodiment are used todenote like features in the second embodiment. The arm assembly 14 ofthis embodiment comprises two additional members 68 and 70. Oneadditional member 68 is pivotally connected between the distal end ofthe first member 54 and the proximal end of the fourth member 60 and theother additional member 70 is pivotally connected between the distal endof the third member 58 and the proximal end of the sixth member 64. Thetwo additional members 68 and 70 are also pivotally connected to eachother in scissor fashion at intermediate portions of each member. Thishas the effect of increasing the protracted length of the arm assembly14. Other embodiments of the arm assembly 14 may comprise differentnumbers and different lengths of arm assembly members.

A third embodiment of the umbrella device 10 is shown in FIGS. 14A-D, 15and 16A-B. Like reference numerals to those used in relation todescribing the first embodiment are used to denote like features in thethird embodiment. In this embodiment, the arm assembly 14 is bifurcatedat hinge member 73, as shown in FIG. 14A, to allow the umbrella device10 to be mounted centrally in front of the user, without obstructing theuser's forward vision.

In this form, the proximal end of the first member 54 is pivotallyconnected to the base 16. The proximal end of the pair of second members56 is pivotally connected to the base 16 below the first member 54. Thedistal ends of the second members 56 are pivotally connected to theproximal ends of the pair of third members 58. An intermediate portionof each third member 58 is pivotally connected to an intermediateportion of the first member 54 and the distal ends of the third members58 are pivotally connected to the proximal ends of the fifth members 70.A hinge member 73 is pivotally connected to the distal end of the firstmember 54. The proximal ends of the pair of fourth members 68 arepivotally connected to the hinge member 73 such that the fourth members68 can pivot between a parallel configuration and a V-shapedconfiguration. An intermediate portion of each fourth member 68 ispivotally connected to an intermediate portion of one of the pair offifth members 70. The distal ends of the fourth members 68 are pivotallyconnected to the proximal ends of the sixth members 60 and the distalends of the fifth members 70 are pivotally connected to the proximalends of the seventh members 62. The distal end of the seventh members 62are pivotally connected to an intermediate portion of the sixth members60. The proximal ends of the eighth members 64 are pivotally connectedto the distal ends of the fifth members 70 and the distal ends of theeighth members 64 are pivotally connected to the proximal ends 34 of theshafts 32. The distal ends of the sixth members 60 are pivotallyconnected to the slides 38 of the canopy mechanism 30.

The canopy mechanism 30 comprises dual shafts 32 and slides 38 joined bya central folding structure 72 where it unfolds at top hinge joint 74.During operation of the umbrella device 10, the bifurcated arm assembly14 extends forwardly of the user as the canopy 12 is expanded. In theprotracted open configuration the bifurcated arm assembly 14 extendscentrally up the user's torso from the base 16 to a point below the chinwhere the bifurcated branches of the arm assembly 14 extend angularlyupwardly in a Y-shape at the bottom hinge 76, laterally of the user'sface. Accordingly, the umbrella device 10 can be secured centrally andin front of the user, without the arm assembly 14 significantlyaffecting the user's forward vision (FIG. 14A). To retract the canopy,the user pulls the top hinge 74 towards the hinge member 73 so that thecentral folding structure 72 folds at the top hinge joint 74, causingthe two distal ends of the dual shafts 32 to move towards each other.The slides 38 are then pulled concomitantly downwards by fourth member60 along the shafts 32 in the direction of the hinge member 73, and theY-shape closes. When the canopy mechanism 30 is in its retractedconfiguration in this embodiment, its members are parallel to shafts 32(FIG. 16B).

While the present invention has been described using the specificembodiment as shown in the aforementioned figures, it is understood thatthe figures are for illustration only and should not be taken aslimitation of the invention. It is contemplated that many changes andmodifications may be made by one of ordinary skills in the art withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of invention described. For example,the exact position and type of joint 74 and the length of member 70,shafts 32 and ribs 72 as shown in FIG. 16B depend on the size of theumbrella and may be modified by a manufacturer according to the usersneed. Each of the above embodiments may also be detached from the userand used as a conventional hand held umbrella by holding the base 16, orarm assembly 14. It is therefore intended that the scope of theinvention be defined by the claims appended hereto and theirequivalents.

1. An umbrella device comprising: a canopy; a canopy mechanism adaptedto expand and collapse said canopy; a base; and an arm assembly disposedbetween said base and said canopy mechanism, said arm assembly having aproximal end pivotally connected to said base and a distal end pivotallyconnected to said canopy mechanism, said arm assembly being operable, bypivoting said proximal end relative to said base, between a retractedconfiguration and a protracted configuration, said arm assemblyprotracting when said proximal end pivots in a first pivotal directionand retracting when said proximal end pivots in a second oppositepivotal direction, said arm assembly including a plurality ofoperatively associated elongated members, said plurality of elongatedmembers including at least one pair of said members pivotally connectedat an intermediate portion of each member, and said paired memberspivoting in opposite directions to one another during operation.
 2. Theumbrella device of claim 1, wherein said canopy mechanism is disposed ina first direction relative to said base in said retracted configurationand in a second direction relative to said base, substantiallytransverse to said first direction, in said protracted configuration. 3.The umbrella device of claim 1, wherein said distal end of said armassembly follows an approximately arcuate path between said retractedand protracted configurations.
 4. The umbrella device of claim 1,wherein said distal end of said arm assembly is operatively connected tosaid canopy mechanism such that said operation of said umbrella devicesimultaneously expands said canopy in said extended open configurationand collapses said canopy in said retracted closed configuration.
 5. Theumbrella device in claim 1, wherein said canopy mechanism comprises ashaft, a slide adapted for axial movement on said shaft and a pluralityof foldable ribs operatively associated with said canopy and said slide,wherein said canopy mechanism is adapted to expand and collapse saidcanopy by axial movement of said slide.
 6. The umbrella device of claim1, wherein said plurality of members comprise: a first member pivotallyconnected at a proximal end to said base; a second member pivotallyconnected at a proximal end to said base; a third member pivotallyconnected at a proximal end to a distal end of said second member andhaving an intermediate portion pivotally connected to an intermediateportion of said first member; a fourth member pivotally connected at aproximal end to a distal end of said second member and pivotallyconnected at a distal end to said slide; a fifth member pivotallyconnected at a proximal end to said distal end of said first member andpivotally connected at a distal end to an intermediate portion of saidfourth member; and a sixth member pivotally connected at a proximal endto said distal end of said first member and pivotally connected at adistal end to said shaft proximal end.
 7. The umbrella device of claim1, wherein said plurality of members comprise: a first member pivotallyconnected at a proximal end to said base; a second member pivotallyconnected at a proximal end to said base; a third member pivotallyconnected at a proximal end to a distal end of said second member andhaving an intermediate portion pivotally connected to an intermediateportion of said first member; a fourth member pivotally connected at aproximal end to said distal end of said third member; a fifth memberpivotally connected at a proximal end to said distal end of said firstmember and having an intermediate portion pivotally connected to anintermediate portion of said fourth member; a sixth member pivotallyconnected at a proximal end to said distal end of said fifth member andpivotally connected at a distal end to said slide; a seventh memberpivotally connected at a proximal end to said distal end of said fourthmember and pivotally connected at a distal end to an intermediateportion of said sixth member; an eighth member pivotally connected at aproximal end to said distal end of said fourth member and pivotallyconnected at a distal end to said shaft proximal end.
 8. The umbrelladevice of claim 7, wherein said canopy mechanism comprises: a shafthaving a proximal end connected to an intermediate point of said armassembly between said arm assembly proximal and distal ends and a distalend connected to said canopy; and a slide adapted for axial movement onsaid shaft, said slide being operatively associated with said canopy toexpand said canopy when driven towards said shaft distal end andcollapse said canopy when driven towards said shaft proximal end;wherein said slide is connected to said arm assembly distal end suchthat said operation to said extended open configuration displaces saidarm assembly distal end from said intermediate point, driving said slidetoward said shaft distal end and said operation to said retracted closedconfiguration retracts said arm assembly distal end towards saidintermediate point, driving said slide toward said shaft proximal end.9. The umbrella device of claim 8, wherein said slide is operativelyassociated with said canopy by means of a plurality of radial ribs, eachsaid rib comprising a plurality of operatively associated longitudinallinks, wherein said links of each said rib are adapted to alignlongitudinally in said open configuration to expand said canopy and tofold adjacently in said closed configuration to collapse said canopy andwherein said links are adapted to fold said canopy such that in saidclosed configuration, an outermost link of each said rib folds theperipheral edge of said canopy adjacent said shaft distal end.
 10. Theumbrella device of claim 9, wherein said outermost link is the longestlink of each said rib.
 11. The umbrella device of claim 1 wherein saidarm assembly is adapted to form a bifurcated Y-shape in the extendedopen configuration.
 12. The umbrella device of claim 11 wherein eachbranch of said bifurcated arm assembly is operatively connected to saidcanopy mechanism such that said operation of said umbrella devicesimultaneously expands said canopy in said extended open configurationand collapses said canopy in said retracted closed configuration. 13.The umbrella device of claim 12, wherein said canopy mechanism comprisesa pair of shafts, each shaft having a slide adapted for axial movementon said shaft and a plurality of foldable ribs operatively associatedwith said canopy and said slides, wherein said canopy mechanism isadapted to expand and collapse said canopy by axial movement of saidslides.
 14. The umbrella device of claim 13, wherein said arm assemblycomprises: a first member pivotally connected at a proximal end to saidbase; a pair of second members pivotally connected at a proximal end tosaid base and adapted to pivot in parallel to one another; a pair ofthird members pivotally connected at a proximal end to a distal end ofsaid pair of second members and having an intermediate portion pivotallyconnected to an intermediate portion of said first member; a pair offourth members, each pivotally connected at a proximal end, by a jointhaving two degrees of freedom, to a distal end of one of said thirdmembers; a pair of fifth members pivotally connected at a proximal end,by a joint having two degrees of freedom, to a distal end of said firstmember, each of said fifth members having an intermediate portionpivotally connected to an intermediate portion of one of said fourthmembers; a pair of sixth members, each pivotally connected at a proximalend to a distal end of one of said fifth members and pivotally connectedat a distal end to one of said slides; a pair of seventh members, eachpivotally connected at a proximal end to a distal end of one of saidfourth members and pivotally connected at a distal end to anintermediate portion of one of said sixth members; a pair of eighthmembers, each pivotally connected at a proximal end to said distal endof one of said fourth members and pivotally connected at a distal end tosaid proximal end of one of said shafts.
 15. The umbrella device ofclaim 14 wherein said canopy device further comprises a central ribextending between said distal ends of said shafts, said central ribbeing adapted to fold such that said distal ends fold towards oneanother when said canopy is collapsed.
 16. The umbrella device of claim1 further comprising a locking mechanism for locking said arm assemblyin at least one of said retracted and protracted configurations.
 17. Theumbrella device of claim 8, wherein said locking mechanism comprises aspring biased catch provided on said base, said catch being adapted tobe engaged and depressed, by a locking pin provided on said armassembly, during said operation of said arm assembly in said firstpivotal direction and to retain said locking pin adjacent said base insaid protracted configuration.
 18. The umbrella device of claim 1,wherein said base is adapted to be secured to the body of a user. 19.The umbrella device of claim 1, further comprising a casing adapted toenclose said arm assembly, canopy mechanism and canopy, when saidumbrella device is in said retracted closed configuration.
 20. Theumbrella device of claim 19, wherein said casing comprises at least oneflap secured to said base and adapted to wrap around and enclose saidarm assembly, canopy mechanism and canopy.
 21. The umbrella device ofclaim 20, wherein said casing comprises at least two flaps secured toopposite sides of said base, said flaps adapted to be fastened togetherto enclose said arm assembly, canopy mechanism and canopy.
 22. Theumbrella device of claim 21, wherein said flaps are fastened by means ofhook and loop type fasteners.
 23. The umbrella device of claim 18,further comprising an elongated slidable extension attached to said baseand having a lower end adapted to be secured to said user wherein saidbase is adapted to slide vertically along said extension raising orlowering said base with respect to said secured lower end of saidextension.
 24. The umbrella device of claim 18 wherein said base issecurable to a user's belt by means of a belt clip.
 25. The umbrelladevice of claim 18 wherein said base is securable to said user by meansof a waist strap.
 26. The umbrella device of claim 18 wherein said baseis securable to said user by means of one or more straps.